Categories: Millennium Park
Millennium Park: Dining
Author: Jennifer Nunez
Given the centralized location of Millennium Park in downtown Chicago, the dining options are varied and plentiful. You can stay inside the park or venture out onto Michigan Avenue and beyond to find a tastey meal from a bountiful selection of restaurants. If you're in the mood for Italian, German, or even a classic American meal, Chicago has you covered.
If you're craving something tastey but haven't gotten the chance to explore all that Chicago's Millennium Park has to offer, stop by the Park Grill which is conveniently located inside the park just off Michigan Avenue before heading back out tot he park.
Contemporary-American cuisine is created by executive chef Bernard Laskowski and served up by an attentive wait-staff for lunch and dinner. Grilled calamari, steak tartar, and peanut crusted shrimp tempura appetizers are just the beginning of their menu, with entrees like penne and lamb sausage pasta, garlic roasted half chicken and pepercorn crusted kobe burgers.
Pair your meal up with a glass of wine from the Park Grill's impressive wine list and finish off with any one of their unique deserts-like the chocolate peanut butter tart, made with roasted banana and peanut brittle- for a perfect ending to a mouth-watering meal. The Park Grill caters to young visitors as well with a selection of easy-to-eat meals off their kid's menu, like veggie sticks, grilled American cheese, and jumbo cookies.
Another nearby choice for those who prefer to stay close to Millennium Park is Tavern at The Park, located across from the Millennium Park Monument at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Randolph Street.
Tavern at The Park offers fine dining in a relaxed tavern-like atmosephere. The warm interior is like the inside of a caramel chocolate truffle with dark chocolate colored molding and tables and caramel hued booths and chairs. This delectable chocolately treat offers a handful of carefuly created desserts like the crunchy fried banana split and a tripple chocolate cake with chocolate ganache and chocolate fudge icing.
Don't head straight for the tempting dessert menu, however. Try at least one of the Tavern's inventive appetizers like the fried calamari, crab dip au gratin or herbed chicken fondue and an entree such as their lobster ravioli or braised beef short ribs. The Tavern's wine list is lengthy and enticing, but if wine isn't what you crave be sure to order one of their signiature drinks like "You're My Boy, Blue," a mixture of Stoli blueberry vodka and lemonade served upon a glass of blueberry ice cubes. The Tavern at The Park pays tribute to it's adjacent attraction with a $199 drink named "cloudgate," a grey goose and champagne cocktail served in a silver-rimmed martini glass, complete with a gift from a local luxury jeweler.
Just two blocks west of Millennium Park at Washington and State streets, lies a quaint in size, yet large in taste bistro named Atwood Cafe. There, executive Chef Heather Terhune prepares classic American fare with a twist for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a specialized brunch menu for Sunday.
Terhune's menu consists of original dishes like graham cracker fried calamari and roasted maple leaf farms duck breast on the main menu, with many sweet treats to choose from like brown sugar cheesecake with a creamy butterscotch sauce,or Michigan sour cherry clafoutis. A menu such as Terhune's comes with a above average price tag-but for these above average dishes, it's worth every cent.
Your taste buds will sing a beautiful symphony after dining at Chicago's Rhapsody restaurant on the corner of Adams and Wabash streets. Contemporary cuisine with global flair is carefully crafted by Executive Chef Doran Payne and Sous Chef Daniel Romero and served up for lunch and dinner daily. Rhapsody is only three blocks southwest of Millennium Park, making it an easy five minute jaunt from The Park to culinary heaven. The lunch menu is fresh and light with many salads to choose from and savory sandwihes like their melted brie and apple sandwich on brioche toast paired with a petite green salad sprinkled with a bell pepper vinagairette.
Check out places of interest near Millennium Park: Dining:
17 West at The Berghoff
17 W. Adams St.,
Chicago, IL 60603
The Berghoff, a traditional 19th-century German beer hall located in Chicago's downtown, has been re-born under the direction of the founder's great-grandduaghter Carlyn Berghoff.
312 Chicago
136 N. LaSalle St.,
Chicago, IL 60602
This seasonally influenced Italian-inspired American eatery buzzes by day with politicians (City Hall is across the street), and buzzes with diners heading to the nearby Cadillac Theater at night.
Make a Reservation
676 Restaurant & Bar
676 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60610
Located on the fourth floor of the Omni Chicago Hotel, 676 offers gorgeous views of Michigan Avenue through the dining room’s expansive windows.
Ai
358 W. Ontario Street,
Chicago, IL 60610
This River North Japanese Sushi Restaurant & Lounge opened it's doors in late-September 2007. From the siblings who brought Ringo Japanese Restaurant and Tsuki to Lincoln Park, comes this lounge/restaurant with authentic Japanese cuisine.
Andy's Jazz Club
11 E. Hubbard St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
Aria Restaurant
200 N. Columbus Dr.,
Chicago, IL 60601
A top Chicago restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine at The Fairmont Chicago hotel, Aria has proven that it's here to stay. Currently under the leadership of chef de cuisine Leon Gunn, the kitchen here serves a menu that's bursting with cultural influences from around the world.
Bin 36
339 N. Dearborn St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
This spot has everything for the oenophile, with a retail store, tavern, restaurant and cheese bar.
Bongo Room
1152 S. Wabash Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60605
Serving breakfast and lunch, this sibling to the popular Wicker Park location serves omelets, breakfast burritos and upscale flapjack offerings such as the “Oreo cookie” for breakfast. If you’re looking for lunch, seasonally inspired salads and sandwiches highlight the menu.
The Gage
24. S. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60603
The Gage offers high-end Irish fare with a touch of elegance and class. Located near Millenium Park, this restaurant offers traditional Irish foods along with all-American favorites.
10pin Bowling
330 N. State St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
This hip, nightlife-centered Chicago lounge features 24 bowling lanes and an extensive martini list. Edible fare here is served from a small plates menu, perfect for sharing.
17 West at The Berghoff
17 W. Adams St.,
Chicago, IL 60603
The Berghoff, a traditional 19th-century German beer hall located in Chicago's downtown, has been re-born under the direction of the founder's great-grandduaghter Carlyn Berghoff.
312 Chicago
136 N. LaSalle St.,
Chicago, IL 60602
This seasonally influenced Italian-inspired American eatery buzzes by day with politicians (City Hall is across the street), and buzzes with diners heading to the nearby Cadillac Theater at night.
Make a Reservation
Ai
358 W. Ontario Street,
Chicago, IL 60610
This River North Japanese Sushi Restaurant & Lounge opened it's doors in late-September 2007. From the siblings who brought Ringo Japanese Restaurant and Tsuki to Lincoln Park, comes this lounge/restaurant with authentic Japanese cuisine.
Alumni Club
871 E. Algonquin Rd.,
Schaumburg, IL 60173
Andy's Jazz Club
11 E. Hubbard St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
B.L.U.E.S
2519 N. Halsted St.,
Chicago, IL 60614
Chicago blues house features local artists every night at 9:30 p.m. Cover varies.
Bamboo Room
616 E. Golf Rd.,
Schaumburg, IL 60173
South Pacific-inspired lounge, with nightly DJs.
Big Chicks
5024 N. Sheridan Rd.,
Chicago, IL 60640
The colorful Uptown bar caters to a mostly lesbian and gay clientele but is very straight-friendly.
Bin 36
339 N. Dearborn St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
This spot has everything for the oenophile, with a retail store, tavern, restaurant and cheese bar.
Blue Chicago
536 N. Clark St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
Sample the sounds of the sultry saxophone, the bold bass, the thundering trumpet and the daring drum beats at Blue Chicago, one of Chicago's best blues clubs. Open seven nights a week, Blue Chicago features some of the best names in blues and jazz.
Potter's
17 E Monroe St.,
Chicago, IL 60603
Located inside the Palmer House Hilton, Potter's offers unique retro cocktails and delicious small plates in a classically elegant setting.
The Gage
24. S. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60603
The Gage offers high-end Irish fare with a touch of elegance and class. Located near Millenium Park, this restaurant offers traditional Irish foods along with all-American favorites.
10pin Bowling
330 N. State St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
This hip, nightlife-centered Chicago lounge features 24 bowling lanes and an extensive martini list. Edible fare here is served from a small plates menu, perfect for sharing.
Bike Chicago Rental & Tours
239 E. Randolph St.,
Chicago, IL 60601
Bicycle rental, bicycle tours, segway tours, and in-line skate rentals make Bike Chicago a key attraction in the city. Bike Chicago has five locations scattered throughout the Chicago area, which is convenient for tourists and locals alike.
Blue Chicago
736 N. Clark St,
Chicago, IL 60610
Sample the sounds of the sultry saxophone, the bold bass, the thundering trumpet and the daring drum beats at Blue Chicago, one of Chicago's best blues clubs. Open seven nights a week, Blue Chicago features some of the best names in blues and jazz.
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Bobby's Bike Hike
465 N McClurg Court,
Chicago, IL 60611
Guided bike tours, (bicycles provided), that are definitely family friendly. Tours are designed for riders of all ages and fitness levels. A great way to learn about Chicago’s past, as well as insight into current events around the city. Bike rentals are also available for riders looking to explore the nearby Lakefront Bike Path.
Millennium Park
201 E Randolph St,
Chicago, IL 60610
Millennium Park has become Chicago’s newest main stage attraction. Aligned with the city’s emphasis on architectural innovation, this 24.5-acre phenomenon integrates historical significance with contemporary style from a number of international players. It is bordered by Michigan Avenue to the west, Columbus Drive to the east, Randolph Street to the north and Monroe Street to the south.
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave. ,
Chicago, IL 60605
Navy Pier, one of the top tourist attractions in Chicago and the country, is visited by almost nine million visitors per years. From dining to shopping, boat tours to countless entertainment options, Navy Pier in Chicago is a must-stop for a wide range of visitors--Chicago residents already know and love it!
Ravinia Festival
418 Sheridan Rd.,
Highland Park, IL 60035
A lineup of pop, classical, folk, jazz and other musical performances under the stars or an open-air pavilion. Concerts March through Sept.
Bike Chicago Rental & Tours
239 E. Randolph St.,
Chicago, IL 60601
Bicycle rental, bicycle tours, segway tours, and in-line skate rentals make Bike Chicago a key attraction in the city. Bike Chicago has five locations scattered throughout the Chicago area, which is convenient for tourists and locals alike.
Bobby's Bike Hike
465 N McClurg Court,
Chicago, IL 60611
Guided bike tours, (bicycles provided), that are definitely family friendly. Tours are designed for riders of all ages and fitness levels. A great way to learn about Chicago’s past, as well as insight into current events around the city. Bike rentals are also available for riders looking to explore the nearby Lakefront Bike Path.
